10 Retinol-Free Anti-Aging Products

Give on of these retinol alternatives a try.

Retinol boasts perhaps the most powerful anti-aging effects that any ingredient can offer. But it's no secret that it can also cause irritation and dryness to even the most tenacious of skins. Here, we've assembled a platoon of anti-agers with alternative ingredients that promise to pack a powerful punch against wrinkles without any of the side effects.

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AmorePacific

AmorePacific

Key ingredients:

Antioxidants

Why we like it: The antioxidant-rich rare pine mushroom and green tea ingredients defend against solar radiation, pollution, and free radicals, which can spur on the aging process. Meanwhile, an added 12 potent Asian botanicals like ginger, soybean, and iris work to repair skin of damage including hyper-pigmentation and the breakdown of collagen and elastin. We particularly love its lusciously thick and concentrated texture—only a pea-sized amount is needed to coat the entire face.

AmorePacific

Key ingredients:

Antioxidants

Why we like it: The antioxidant-rich rare pine mushroom and green tea ingredients defend against solar radiation, pollution, and free radicals, which can spur on the aging process. Meanwhile, an added 12 potent Asian botanicals like ginger, soybean, and iris work to repair skin of damage including hyper-pigmentation and the breakdown of collagen and elastin. We particularly love its lusciously thick and concentrated texture—only a pea-sized amount is needed to coat the entire face.

La Mer

Key ingredients:

Stem cells

Why we like it: Utilizing the age-fighting talents of marine plant stem cells, this elixir helps to renew skin by supporting its natural structure and shielding it from environmental aggressors. It also contains the brand's signature nutrient-rich Miracle Broth (derived from sea kelp), along with marine algae and peptides to tighten the skin and boost natural collagen production. The thin liquid has a silky texture that leaves skin feeling velvety soft to the touch.

La Roche Posay

Key ingredients:

Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid

Why we like it: A whopping five percent of pure vitamin C works to smooth out wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid—which can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water—plumps the skin and elevates its firmness. The hyaluronic acid in this formula is fragmented, meaning it penetrates the skin better than larger molecules. Although it's technicially a cream, it has the consistency of a serum, and sits wonderfully under makeup.

L'Oréal

Key ingredients:

Collagen

Why we like it: This plush moisturizer is injected with collagen, which restores skin's bounce and spackles in wrinkles over time. The multi-functional product works as a makeup primer during the day and a sumptuous cream at night.

Olay

Key ingredients:

Amino-peptides

Why we like it: This serum is chock-full of amino-peptides that are designed to propel moisturizing ingredients through 10 layers of skin and spark collagen and elastin production. We can't get enough of the formula's satiny smooth, featherlight, and non-greasy texture.

Origins

Key ingredients:

Anogeissus

Why we like it: Sourced from a tree native to India and South Asia, the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial anogeissus ingredient blocks destructive enzymes that weaken skin's elasticity, and encourges the production of new elastic fibers for lifted and lineless skin. Plus, the powerhouse formula is proven to cause absolutely zero irritation, making it perfect for the most delicate complexions.

Orlane

Key ingredients:

Royal jelly, 24-karat gold, and stargazer lily

Why we like it: If the bill weren't any indication, this serum is basically pure gold in a bottle. Fresh royal jelly features a mammoth 134 vitamins and amino acids to squelch crinkles, the detoxifying and anti-inflammatory 24-karat gold fires up the production of elastic fibers and prevents skin slackening, while stargazer lily fades brown spots. The clear liquid has a subtly sweet scent that smells as luxurious as the price tag.

Peter Thomas Roth

Key ingredients:

Retinopeptide 189, vit-a-like, and arophira

Why we like it: Although the product mentions retinol in its name, this retinol-free ointment actually uses a trifecta of alternative ingredients to mimic its same effects, but in a sun-safe and sensitive skin-safe way. Retinopeptide 189 encourages cell turnover, vit-a-like works to nullify fine lines, and the plant extract arophira retexturizes skin for a fawless finish. The fine formula feels like a cream/serum hybrid and seems to even mitigate the appearance of acne scars, too.

SkinMedica

Key ingredients:

Alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids

Why we like it: A hefty 15 percent of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids join together to slough off dead cells and eradicate acne from the skin's surface, revealing fresh and young cells (and in turn a more glowing and youthful-looking complexion). Our favorite part? The cream's temporary tingling sensation, which lets us physically know it's hard at work.